If you have a swimming pool or hot tub, you likely know the risk of accidental drowning. Safety comes first, but this leaves a lot of people wondering “Do I have to buy a pool fence?”
Getting Down to Business: Do I Have to Buy a Pool Fence?
First and foremost, depending on where you live, the answer might be “yes.” A steadily increasing number of cities and towns are making pool fence installation mandatory for pool owners. In these places, there’s no wiggle room. You will simply need to buy a pool fence if you’re installing a pool. Be sure to check with your local regulations to know for sure.
That said, let’s take a step away whether or not it is “mandatory.” Installing a pool fence shouldn’t be thought of as something you’re forced to do. In truth, adding a pool fence will greatly increase the safety of your swimming area. Even better, insurance companies love them. It’s not a hassle, it’s a feature.
How Does a Pool Fence Work?
Now, before you buy that pool fence, let’s talk about how these devices actually work. Overall, the goal of the fence is to provide a secure barrier around the potentially dangerous water. Drowning is far more common than most people realize.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury and death for children between the ages of 1 and 14. In fact, three children die every day as a result of drowning.
This is where a pool fence can save lives. When properly installed, a sturdy pool fence can keep a child from gaining access to the water. It also works to prevent pets from accidentally falling into the pool.
In the next section, let’s look at what makes a quality pool fence.
Choose a High Quality Pool Fence
Now that we’ve established the importance of buying a pool fence, let’s review what you should be looking for. How do you know if you’re making a wise purchase? The first attribute a person should look for in their pool fence is strength. If a fence isn’t sturdy enough, a child or even a pet can simply push it over. That won’t help to prevent any drowning at all. In fact, it can even become a tripping hazard.
A strong mesh pool safety fence is a critical layer of protection for your yard. Ideally, you’ll want to install a fence with proper “tension-based support.” It should be able to withstand the elements…and your curious little ones.
Here’s a video that shows the stopping power of the Textilene mesh in a Life Saver Pool Fence:
Higher and Higher
Beyond strength, height is necessary for pool fence security. Overall, the higher your fence, the better. For an average toddler, a fence should reach at least four feet in height. Above all, you want to buy a pool fence that can’t be scaled or stepped over.
To learn more about the fundamental components that every pool fence should include, take a look at our full blog about what to look for when buying a pool fence.
Don’t Forget a Self-Closing Gate
Beyond the fence itself, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Academy of Pediatrics recommend a self-latching, self-closing gate. These types of gates are designed to add an extra layer of security to your pool area.
You see, the gate will automatically close behind you, thanks to its magnetic power. Buying a pool fence with a self-latching, self-closing gate removes the worry that you “forgot to lock up.” It does it for you. This is a superb safety addition to any pool area.
Pool Fences Can Be Beautiful
Buying a pool fence is a serious decision. Safety is paramount, but remember that pool fences can also be beautiful. During your research, be sure to consider how a fence can be used to enhance the overall aesthetic of your pool and yard.
Contact Life Saver Pool Fence today to learn more about our pool safety fences.
